‘Charges tarnished our achievement’ – Gaskell

Former Clitheroe captain Paul Gaskell

Published:08:00Thursday 08 March 2018

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Paul Gaskell, the most successful captain in Clitheroe Cricket Club’s history, has decided to step down from his post following the club’s exoneration from charges of a breach of Lancashire League rules.

Gaskell, who has led the Chatburn Road club to countless titles in the Ribblesdale Cricket League, before guiding them to the championship and the Twenty20 trophy in their maiden campaign at this level, claimed that the exhaustive investigation had forced his hand.

The skipper can walk away from his position with his head held high having stocked up the club’s collection of silverware and confirmation that the Ribble Valley outfit will enter the 2018 season as defending champions is a befitting end to his reign.

With the dark clouds clearing, and celebrations finally taking place, he said: “We knew that we had done nothing wrong but you naturally worry because you start to fear the worst the longer it goes on. They’ve gone about it fairly throughout the whole process.

“It’s tarnished what we’ve achieved. It was the greatest achievement in the club’s history, stepping up to win the Lancashire League as well as winning the Twenty20 competition. It was a hell of an effort from the lads.

“It was a huge shame that we couldn’t go to the league dinner and celebrate which has taken the shine off it a little bit. It’s a shame that we’ve had to go through what we have.

“A few of us got together since and enjoyed a celebratory drink though. We’re champions, it’s official now, and there isn’t a cloud hanging over us anymore. It’s nice to have got rid of that.”